BIRCHFIELD went top of the Liverpool County Combination league after an impressive victory against St Aloysius.

Chances were created early on by the Ormskirkbased visitors Birchfield with livewire forward John Conley causing problems every time he received the ball.

Good work by winger Mike Harrison on the right saw a cross find Andy Davis at the back post only for the Birchfield man to half volley into the side-netting.

Birchfield centre-backs Kevin Westhead and Peter Short had to be alert as the opposition were constantly probing.

With 25 minutes gone neat play by Ian Makin and captain Steve Duffy split the determined defence where Ian McPadden ran into the space to shoot home from 20 yards.

After the break Birchfield had to hold on while a 15-minute barrage of shots, free kicks and corners were hurled at them, but thanks to the solid goalkeeping of Chris McLoughlin Birch-field regained control.

The Alys had thrown everything at the Birchfield defence before tireless midfielders Duffy and Makin began to create chances with McPadden taking his second chance to hit a glorious shot home.

With Birchfield's tails up Richie Lange and Andy Currie were introduced to strengthen the team and both had an immediate impact.

Lange went on a fine run before hitting a fierce drive into the far corner to complete a devastating 3-0 win.